A FERRET was killed when an arsonist struck at allotments.

Police are appealing for information following the blaze in Houghton.

It happened around 9.45pm, on Friday, November 21 when the offender entered an allotment at Hetton Lyons Country Park, Downs Pit Lane and set alight to two sheds before making off.

Both were completely destroyed in the fire and a ferret inside one of the sheds was killed.

Anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious or with information to help is asked to contact police on 101 ext 69191, quoting reference 1296 21/11/14 , or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.